Ratcheting watch band

ABSTRACT

Watch bands can employ clasps that are configured to ratchet. Due to this ratcheting, the watch bands can be adjusted which much smaller increments than traditional watch bands. A unique clasp configuration enables this ratcheting to be achieved without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or usability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention extends to watch bands having clasps that are configured to ratchet. Due to this ratcheting, the watch bands can be adjusted with much smaller increments than traditional watch bands. A unique clasp configuration enables this ratcheting to be achieved without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or usability.

In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a clasp that includes an outer member having opposing sidewalls and opposing slots formed in the sidewalls, an inner member coupled to the outer member to form a channel between the inner member and the outer member, a tab that extends from the inner member towards the outer member, and an actuating member that extends through the slots formed in the sidewalls and is positioned to one side of the tab. The actuating member is configured to slide within the slots to force the tab away from the outer member.

In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as watch band that includes: a first portion; a second portion that includes a series of protrusions that extend along an inner surface of the second portion; and a clasp. The clasp has an outer member and an inner member coupled to the outer member to form a channel between the outer and inner members. The outer and inner members have a coupling end and a terminal end opposite the coupling end. The coupling end of the inner member is configured to couple to the first portion. The terminal ends of the outer and inner members are configured to receive the second portion. The clasp includes a tab that extends from the inner member towards the outer member within the channel. The clasp further includes an actuating member that is positioned towards the terminal end from the tab. The actuating member is configured to slide towards the coupling end to force the tab away from the upper member. When the second portion is inserted into the channel, the tab interfaces with the protrusions to prevent the second portion from withdrawing from the channel. When the actuating member forces the tab away from the upper member, the tab ceases to interface with the protrusions to allow the second portion to be withdrawn from the channel.

In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a clasp comprising: an outer member; an inner member coupled to the outer member to form a channel between the inner member and the outer member, the outer member being configured to pivot relative to the inner member; and a tab that extends from the inner member towards the outer member, wherein a distance between a tip of the tab and the outer member increases as the outer member is pivoted away from the inner member. The tab may be part of the inner member, and the outer member may include a lifting member that lifts a band positioned within the channel away from the tab when the outer member is pivoted away from the inner member. Alternatively, the tab may be part of the outer member, and the tip of the tab may be positioned to an opposite side of an axis of pivoting from the outer member.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a watch band clasp in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D illustrates a rear view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E illustrates a side view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F illustrates a top view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1G illustrates a cross-sectional bottom view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1H illustrates an exploded view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the watch band clasp of FIG. 1A while it secures a watch band;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of a watch band clasp with the clasp in the closed and open position respectively; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a watch band clasp with the clasp in the closed and open position respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1H each illustrates a different view of a watch band clasp 100 that is configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates clasp 100 with a watch band 200. Clasp 100 can include an outer member 110 and an inner member 120. In this context, outer refers to the fact that outer member 110 is intended to face outwardly when a watch is worn, while inner refers to the fact that inner member 120 is intended to face the wearer's wrist. Inner member 120 can be configured to couple with outer member 110 to form a channel through which a watch band can extend as will be further described below.

Outer member 110 includes a coupling end 110 a and a terminal end 110 b. In this context, coupling refers to the end of clasp 100 that is fixedly secured to one portion of a watch band, while terminal refers to the opposite end of clasp 100 that is configured to selectively receive the other portion of the watch band. Outer member 110 includes opposing sidewalls 114 positioned towards coupling end 110 a and opposing sidewalls 112 positioned towards terminal end 110 b with a gap 113 formed therebetween. Sidewalls 114 include opposing openings 114 a that are configured to receive and retain a coupling pin 160. Coupling pin 160 can be configured to prevent it from unintentionally sliding out from openings 114 a. For example, the ends of coupling pin 160 can be configured to extend beyond openings 114 a and can have an increased diameter to prevent the ends from sliding inwardly through the openings.

Sidewalls 112 include opposing slots 112 a that are configured to receive an actuating member 140. Slots 112 a are elongated to allow actuating member 140 to slide along a longitudinal axis of outer member 110. Actuating member 140 may be in the form of a cylinder and may include opposing knobs 150 coupled at each end. Knobs 150 may include posts 151 that insert into or otherwise couple to actuating member 140. The dimensions of actuating member 140 and knobs 150 can be configured such that knobs 150 are positioned outside of slots 112 a when actuating member 140 extends between slots 112 a.

Inner member 120 also includes a coupling end 120 a and a terminal end 120 b that are offset and coupled together by a ridge 125. In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, ridge 125 may be substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of coupling end 120 a and terminal end 120 b. Coupling end 120 a includes opposing sidewalls 124 and is shaped and sized to fit within sidewalls 114 of outer member 110. Sidewalls 124 include opposing openings 124 a which align with openings 114 a so that coupling pin 160 can extend through openings 114 a and 124 a to couple inner member 120 to outer member 110. The positions of openings 124 a relative to openings 114 a are configured such that a channel will be formed between inner member 120 and outer member 110 through which the watch band may extend. A gap 123, which can generally align with gap 113, can be formed between sidewall 124 and ridge 125/terminal end 120 b.

Terminal end 120 b also includes opposing sidewalls 122 which extend from terminal end 120 b in a direction opposite to the direction in which sidewalls 124 extend. Sidewalls 122 include opposing slots 122 a that can be positioned and sized to align with slots 112 a of outer member 110. As such, actuating member 140 can extend through and slide within slots 112 a and slots 122 a.

To form a ratcheting mechanism, terminal end 120 b includes a tab 121 that extends towards outer member 110 at an acute angle relative to the surface of terminal end 120 b. In other words, tab 121 is angled towards coupling end 120 a. In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, tab 121 can be formed as a bent portion of the surface of terminal end 120 b. In such embodiments, tab 121 will include a tip 121 a that extends from a base 121 b that is a continuous extension of terminal end 120 b. In other embodiments, tab 121 could be formed of a separate component that is mounted or otherwise coupled to the surface of terminal end 120 b. A lip 126 can be formed at terminal end 120 b and can function to minimize the opening to the channel formed between inner member 120 and outer member 110. As will be further described below, lip 126 can also function to retain the position of the watch band when it is inserted between inner member 120 and outer member 110.

Clasp 100 may also include a clamping member 130 that is employed to selectively couple a watch band to clasp 100. Clamping member 130 includes a first end 130 a and a second end 130 b. When clamping member 130 is coupled to inner member 120 and outer member 110, first end 130 a will be positioned towards coupling end 120 a relative to second end 130 b. First end 130 a is narrower than second end 130 b such that a ridge 133 is formed. First end 130 a can be sized to fit between sidewalls 124 and can include an opening 131 that aligns with openings 124 a and 114 a such that coupling pin 160 can also insert through opening 131 to secure clamping member 130 to inner member 120 and outer member 110.

Clamping member 130 is configured to pivot around coupling pin 160 between an open and a closed position. To reach the closed position, second end 130 b can be forced into gaps 113, 123 while a watch band is inserted between coupling end 120 a of inner member 120 and clamping member 130. Clamping member 130 includes protrusions 132 which may be in the form of spikes that extend towards inner member 120 such that protrusions 132 will extend into the watch band to secure it to clasp 100. The positioning of second end 130 b within gaps 113, 123 facilitates selectively loosening clamping member 130 when it is desired to remove clasp 100 (e.g., to use clasp 100 with a different watch band). For example, gaps 113, 123 expose the sides of second end 130 b when second end 130 b is positioned within gaps 113, 123 to allow the wearer to grip the sides to pivot clamping member 130 into the open position. Gaps 113, 123 also allow the exterior surface of clamping member 130 to substantially align with inner member 120 when in the closed position.

As is best seen in FIGS. 1G and 2, when clasp 100 is assembled, actuating member 140 can be positioned within slots 112 a, 122 a and towards terminal end 110 b/120 b from tab 121. Tab 121 can be configured so that a distance between tip 121 a and the inner surface of outer member 110 is approximately the same as a thickness of watch band 200. Watch band 200 can include a series of protrusions 201 each of which forms a face 201 a that is oriented towards terminal end 110 b/120 b when watch band 200 is inserted into clasp 100 between outer member 110 and inner member 120. Face 201 a can be substantially perpendicular to the length of watch band 200. Each protrusion 201 can also include an angled surface 201 b opposite face 201 a. A space 201 c may also be formed between adjacent protrusions 201.

When watch band 200 is inserted sufficiently into clasp 100 to cause tab 121 to be positioned between adjacent protrusions 201, tip 121 a will contact face 201 a to prevent watch band 200 from being withdrawn from clasp 100. In particular, because tab 121 extends at an angle towards face 201 a, movement of watch band 200 towards terminal end 110 b/120 b will cause tab 121 to pivot towards terminal end 110 b/120 b which in turn would force tip 121 a into watch band 200 effectively stopping such movement. On the other hand, because the angle of tab 121 corresponds with angled surface 201 b, movement of watch band 200 towards coupling end 110 a/120 a will cause tab 121 to pivot away from outer member 110 thereby allowing watch band 200 to be tightened in a ratcheting fashion.

Once tab 121 is positioned between protrusions 201, clasp 100 will be in a locked position such that watch band 200 is prevented from loosening absent adjustment of actuating member 140. Because actuating member 140 is positioned towards terminal end 110 b/120 b, the wearer can grasp knobs 150 and slide actuating member 140 towards coupling end 110 a/120 a. This sliding of actuating member 140 will force tab 121 away from outer member 110 so that tip 121 a no longer contacts face 201 a. With tab 121 pivoted in this manner, clasp 100 will be in an unlocked position such that watch band 200 can be loosened and withdrawn from clasp 100.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a watch having another embodiment of a clasp 300. Clasp 300 is similar to clasp 100 except that a different technique is employed to transition clasp 300 between the locked (FIG. 3A) and unlocked positions (FIG. 3B). Clasp 300 includes an outer member 310 and an inner member 320 from which a tab 321 extends. Although not shown, clasp 300 can include a clamping member similar to clamping member 130.

Tab 321 interfaces with protrusions in the watch band in a ratcheting manner as described above. Outer member 310 and inner member 320 may be interconnected in a similar manner as described above except that outer member 310 can be coupled to inner member 320 via a pivoting connection. As shown, outer member 310 can include a shaft 311 that extends through sidewalls of inner member 320 and about which outer member 310 can rotate. A gap 313 can be formed between shaft 311 and the outer surface of outer member 310 through which the watch band can extend. FIG. 3A shows outer member 310 in a closed position in which it substantially aligns with inner member 320. In this closed position, the distance between outer member 310 and inner member 320 will cause tab 321 to contact the face of the protrusions to prevent the watch band from loosening. Outer member 310 and inner member 320 can be configured to interface in a manner that will retain outer member 310 in this closed position (e.g., interlocking ridges and grooves, magnets, etc.)

FIG. 3B illustrates how outer member 310 can be rotated around shaft 311 and away from inner member 320. This rotation will allow the watch band to move away from tab 321 thereby allowing the watch band to be loosened and removed from clasp 300. To facilitate moving the watch band away from tab 321, outer member 310 can include a lifting member 312 that extends under the watch band and that moves away from inner member 320 as outer member 310 rotates. Lifting member 312 will therefore force the watch band away from tab 321.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a watch having another embodiment of a clasp 400. Clasp 400 is similar to clasp 300 except that a tab 421 is integrated into a pivoting outer member 410 a rather than inner member 420. Pivoting outer member 410 a is coupled to inner member 420 via a shaft 411 that forms a pivoting connection. A stationary outer member 410 b may also be coupled to inner member 420 opposite pivoting outer member 410 a.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when pivoting outer member 410 a is in the closed position, tab 421 will be rotated such that it inserts between the protrusions in the watch band. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4B, when pivoting outer member 410 a is in the open position, tab 421 will be rotated such that it no longer inserts between the protrusions but is substantially in alignment with inner member 420.

Although clasps 100, 200, and 300 have been described as being used with watches, they may equally be employed with belts or other similar items that include an adjustable band. In each embodiment, the clasp can include a tab that can be selectively manipulated to transition the clasp between locked and unlocked positions. The clasps of the present invention can therefore facilitate incrementally adjusting the tightness of watches, belts or other items of apparel.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed:
 1. A clasp comprising: an outer member having opposing sidewalls and opposing slots formed in the sidewalls; an inner member coupled to the outer member to form a channel between the inner member and the outer member; a tab that extends from the inner member towards the outer member; and an actuating member that extends through the slots formed in the sidewalls and is positioned to one side of the tab, the actuating member configured to slide within the slots to force the tab away from the outer member.
 2. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the inner member also includes opposing sidewalls with opposing slots that align with the opposing slots of the outer member.
 3. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the outer member and the inner member each includes a coupling end and a terminal end opposite the coupling end, the opposing slots of the outer member being formed towards the terminal end.
 4. The clasp of claim 3, wherein the inner member is coupled to the outer member via a coupling pin that extends through the sidewalls of the outer member towards the coupling end.
 5. The clasp of claim 3, wherein the tab is angled towards the coupling end.
 6. The clasp of claim 5, wherein the terminal end is adapted to receive a watch band or a belt.
 7. The clasp of claim 6, wherein the terminal end of the inner member forms a lip that extends towards the outer member.
 8. The clasp of claim 3, wherein the inner member includes a ridge that separates and offsets the terminal end from the coupling end.
 9. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the actuating member includes opposing knobs that are positioned outside the slots.
 10. The clasp of claim 1, further comprising: a clamping member that couples to the inner member via a pivoting connection.
 11. The clasp of claim 10, wherein a coupling pin extends through the clamping member, the inner member and the outer member.
 12. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the tab comprises a bent portion of the inner member.
 13. A watch band comprising: a first portion; a second portion that includes a series of protrusions that extend along an inner surface of the second portion; and a clasp having an outer member and an inner member coupled to the outer member to form a channel between the outer and inner members, the outer and inner members having a coupling end and a terminal end opposite the coupling end, the coupling end of the inner member being configured to couple to the first portion, the terminal ends of the outer and inner members being configured to receive the second portion, the clasp including a tab that extends from the inner member towards the outer member within the channel, the clasp further including an actuating member that is positioned towards the terminal end from the tab, the actuating member being configured to slide towards the coupling end to force the tab away from the upper member; wherein, when the second portion is inserted into the channel, the tab interfaces with the protrusions to prevent the second portion from withdrawing from the channel, whereas, when the actuating member forces the tab away from the upper member, the tab ceases to interface with the protrusions to allow the second portion to be withdrawn from the channel
 14. The watch band of claim 13, wherein the outer member includes opposing sidewalls having opposing slots, the actuating member being contained within the slots.
 15. The watch band of claim 13, wherein the clasp includes a coupling pin that extends through sidewalls of the outer and inner members to couple together the outer and inner members.
 16. The watch band of claim 15, wherein the clasp further includes a clamping member that is coupled to the inner member via a pivoting connection, the clamping member selectively coupling the clasp to the first portion.
 17. The watch band of claim 13, wherein the terminal end of the inner member is separated and offset from the coupling end of the inner member by a ridge.
 18. The watch band of claim 13, wherein the tab comprises a bent portion of the inner member.
 19. A clasp comprising: an outer member; an inner member coupled to the outer member to form a channel between the inner member and the outer member, the outer member being configured to pivot relative to the inner member; and a tab that extends from the inner member towards the outer member, wherein a distance between a tip of the tab and the outer member increases as the outer member is pivoted away from the inner member.
 20. The clasp of claim 19, wherein: the tab is part of the inner member, the outer member including a lifting member that lifts a band positioned within the channel away from the tab when the outer member is pivoted away from the inner member; or the tab is part of the outer member, the tip of the tab being positioned to an opposite side of an axis of pivoting from the outer member. 